A sinus lift adds bone under the sinus so an implant can be placed in the upper back jaw. Dr. Jennifer Okhiria performs sinus lifts at The Buckhead Oral Surgery Suite in Atlanta, and often finds a way to avoid one.
Making room for an implant in the upper jaw
Why would I need a sinus lift?
The upper back teeth sit just under the sinus. After those teeth are lost, the bone between the mouth and the sinus can get too thin to hold an implant. A sinus lift raises the sinus floor and fills the space with graft material.
Why does Dr. Okhiria try to avoid it?
She calls sinus lifts "kind of falling out of favor… something we can avoid." With careful planning on a 3D scan, shorter or angled implants can often work in the bone you already have. She'll look for that option first.
What is recovery like?
Expect some swelling and pressure for a few days. You'll be asked not to blow your nose hard while the graft settles. The implant usually goes in after the graft has healed.
Honest limits
If your scan shows a simpler route, we'll recommend it. If a sinus lift is the right answer, Dr. Okhiria will explain exactly why using your own images.
Cost and scheduling
A sinus lift adds cost and a healing period to implant treatment. Both are on your printed estimate before you decide.
Questions patients ask about sinus lift
How do I know if I need a sinus lift?
Only a 3D scan can tell. Dr. Okhiria measures the bone between your upper back teeth and the sinus on a CBCT scan at our Atlanta office. If there's enough for a shorter or angled implant, she'll usually recommend that instead of a lift.
Will a sinus lift affect my breathing?
No. The graft sits below the sinus membrane, not in your airway. You may feel pressure or stuffiness for a few days. You'll be asked not to blow your nose hard while it heals, and our Atlanta team gives you written instructions.
Can the implant go in at the same time?
Sometimes, when there's enough bone to hold the implant steady while the graft heals. When there isn't, the lift is done first and the implant follows months later. Dr. Okhiria decides from your scan at our Atlanta office and explains the timeline.
What are the risks of a sinus lift?
The main risks are a tear in the sinus membrane and infection. Careful planning on a 3D scan lowers both. Dr. Okhiria in Atlanta explains the specific risks for your anatomy and how she manages them before you decide on anything.
How long is recovery?
Most swelling and pressure settle within a week. The graft itself heals over several months before an implant is placed. You can usually go back to work in a day or two, and our Atlanta office will call to check on you.
Request a consult
Send a request and our team will call you to find a time. Most patients come with a referral from their dentist, and you're welcome without one.